Day 244 What is required of a nation?

The nation that does not show paritality is in line with God's vision. In the Book of Acts, we read...“Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him." In a volatile political climate of an election, perhaps this passage is necessary. God seeks a nation to show no partiality.

Day 243 Who introduced Paul?

Another underrated person in the Bible is Barnabas. The disciples were afraid of Paul following his conversion. How would we have felt accepting someone who had persecuted and even killed those in the early Church. Barnabas "the encourager" was there to bring Paul in and make a difference. Without Barnabas there would not be a Paul.

Day 242 How is Paul introduced?

Paul begins as Saul in chapter nine but is actually introduced in chapter eight. Most of eight is about the signs and wonders of disciples. The build up to meet Paul begins with this interesting word..."And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison." We will read more tomorrow.

Day 241 Who is mad enough to grind teeth?

Stephen preaches a long message. He recalls the Old Testament story highlights and then says the "very people" Jesus came to save put Him to death. His reference to "them" caused such anger they began to grind their teeth. Stephen's execution was quick, as they stoned him in their anger. Is Stephen not one of the most underappreciated leaders in the early Church? He would appear to be a major influence and ultimately a martyr for all that progressed so quickly in the movement that changed the world. As many other Biblical figures, he is often underestimated.

Day 240... "Behold, I am doing a new thing...do you perceive it?"

Isaiah writes of God's strong presence through the deep waters that will not overwhelm or the fires that will not burn. He also reassures that God seeks to do a new thing. He asks..."do you not perceive it?" David Hopkins said this is a way of making everyone pay attention. "Do you not perceive it" is a way of saying take a look...the Lord is at work. Is there a new thing of God in your life and me life? Do you perceive it?

Day 240... Behold, I am doing a new thing;

Day 239 What to make of Ananias and Sapphira?

The Ananias and Sapphira story of "withholding from an offering" is more about lying than robbing. All they had to do was be truthful. The consequences of small lies with big consequences have never been truer in this story. Amazingly, small lies are so unecessary but often do lead to tragic consequences. In this case the worst...death.

On another note, Peter was not strongly suited for pastoral care! The death of Ananias and Sapphira seem to illustrate the message of truth more than being a "good shepherd."

Day 238 What about the poor?

Isaiah writes with more hope and this includes the poor..." When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them;I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights,and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water,and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar,the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know,may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this,the Holy One of Israel has created it." Isaiah is getting more hopeful with each chapter.

Day 237 What did Jehoshaphat pray?

Jehoshaphat was a "good king" relying on God's strength and trust in the Lord's salvation. How did he become so sure of God? Through a prayer..." “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy— behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” HOW ABOUT THAT LAST LINE! WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO BUT OUR EYES ARE ON YOU!

Day 236 What are the essentials of a vibrant church?

Acts 2 reports the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. We also see the essentials of every church. What are they? Teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. As Luke says it..."They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Let us continue to grow in the essentials!

Day 235 Kings with a prayer?

King Asa is sick but does not turn to the Lord. He places sole confidence in the doctors. His infected feet cause him to die. Hezekiah becomes ill and is open to prayer..."Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. His prayer led to his healing. Asa lacked the faith in the Great physician and died. What are we to make of this theologically? Reliance on God's power is not to be ignored...though both Kings had their troubles.

Day 235 What did Hezekiak pray?

In continuing to track the prayers of the Bible, what did Hezekiah pray in Isaiah? He prayed..."“O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire. For they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. So now, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the Lord.” One day the Lord willing, I will preach a series of messages on these prayers or write a book or both.

Day 234 How many people died?

The reports of battle in the Old Testament are "blood letting." Today we read of a military strategy that left 500,000 dead. A half million dead in one battle would be a major war even in the 19th, 20th, or 21rst century. Think about how the world population was so much smaller in these times. The death toll of such a battle was staggering.

Day 233 Which way do we go?

Isaiah 35 refers to a highway. This highway is for those to find their way out of exile to the Lord. Listen to the beautiful words..."And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it.It shall belong to those who walk on the way;even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there." Which way are we going? Are we seeking the highway of the Lord?

Day 232 How did God answer Solomon's prayer?

God answered Solomon's prayer... “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." As I understand this prayer and the needs of our nation, perhaps this is just as relevant today. Amen.

Day 231 What did Solomon pray in consecrating the temple?

What did Solomon pray when completing the temple? Here it is..."O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart, who have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me.’" The Old Testament is packed with prayers.

Day 230 Solomon builds with great care do we?

Solomon builds the temple with great care. I am always amazed at the specificity of the temple and the intricate detail. In our modern structures of worship, do we go to such lengths? A theology of architecture would be fascinating to develop. When is it justified to build the best for the Lord? Or when is it better to be practical and not be enamored with a building or structure?

Day 229 Solomon's prayer. What's wrong with fast horses?

Solomon prays for wisdom..."You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” Notice David ended with a prayer and Solomon began with a prayer.

What's wrong with fast horses? Nothing. They represent Israel's affection for Egypt's strength and might as a nation. The problem is the Lord is all they need for strength. Keep reading and Israel will be humbled in the exile.

Day 228 How long did David reign?

David says a prayer..."“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.” He prays for Solomon knowing his leadership is not immanent. David dies after serving as king for forty years. The answer to my question.

Day 227...Did David say to Solomon 'Just do it'?

King David tells his son about building the temple. Like Moses, who could not go into the Promised Land...David would not build the temple but would yeild to his son Solomon. What did David say to Solomon? Just do it! Notice he also challenges him to be strong..."Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” Wow! What challenge do we have in front of us...Just do it!

Day 226 When was the first mass choir?

Every wondered when the first mass choir was organized? Could have been in the Book of Acts with the early Church. Or angels singing in the distance somewhere along the way. How about the answer in today's reading. David organized a group of singers..."The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the Lord, all who were skillful, was 288. And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike." Were they casting lots for solos? Who knows. Nevertheless a large choir of 288.

Day 225 Does David have other gifts?

We know King David had the gift of leadership, wisdom, and was courageous. What other gift did he possess? He had a phenomenal gift of organization. In today's reading, we see this organization at work. In addition to his abundant gifts, he also had something else of even greater quality..."a heart for God."

Day 224 I there a difference between counting and adding?

David is tempted by Satan to count the people of Israel. This census is met with disapproval from the Lord. Was the disapproval to place strength in numbers instead of the Lord? Or was it forgetting the source of real strength? Either way is the same result. As as pastor, I think there is a difference between counting and adding. A church is not at it's best when we count but rather when we add. How many people have we added to the Lord?

Day 223 How does suspicion work?

In David's attempt to comfort the Ammonites, a princes is creates suspicion by saying David's reps are spying. Is this not the price of suspicion? Humankind brings out the worst in one another, when great gestures of kindness are misunderstood...or even worse...scheming can ruin a kind gesture. Death results. Unnecessary death all over suspicion.

Day 222 What did David pray?

David prayed another prayer in today's passage. A portion of the prayer speaks of there being none like God..." “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O Lord God! And what more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant. For your servant's sake, O Lord, and according to your own heart, you have done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. There is none like you, O Lord, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears." Another beautiful prayer! There is no other than the Lord.

Day 221 Does David have a song in his heart?

David's kingdom leads to an ensemble of musicians. Does he have a song in heart? Sure sounds like it. Where there is joy there is someone with anger in the heart. Saul's child despises David..."So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-edom with rejoicing. And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as also were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the leader of the music of the singers. And David wore a linen ephod. So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres. And as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and rejoicing, and she despised him in her heart." People with a song and anger in their hearts...people have not changed at all!

Day 220 A rallying point or symbol of strength?

The Ark is returned as a focal point for Israel. David understands, as a leader, the power of symbols. In this case, there is also power in the symbol. The Ark brings strength for David and Israel. Notice how strong they became..."And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned. And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations." David knew in turning to God there was strength and unity.

Day 219 What were the images of David as a leader?

David was blessed with leadership skills, looks, courage, and a "heart for God." His images of leadership for Israel is summed up in the text today..."And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel." David was to be a shepherd and a prince. A shepherd is one who keeps the flock. What a flock to keep! The image of prince also indicates he is chosen to lead.

Day 218 "How did Saul die?"

We have read another account of Saul's sad death. In the account of Chronicles, he fellon his sword..."Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died." His death was a tragic end to a King who was ruined by jealousy over David's fame.

Day 217...Ranking the Nations?

In Isaiah 19 we read about a ranking of nations, as "in that day" they will worship the Lord. Interesting lesson in spiritual geography or is it more eschatology? In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the Lord of hosts. One of these will be called the City of Destruction. In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. It will be a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the Lord because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them. And the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the Lord and perform them. And the Lord will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the Lord, and he will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and Assyria will come into Egypt, and Egypt into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the Lord of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” Notice the distinctions...

Egypt-My people
Assyria -work of My Hands
Israel -My inheritance

Day 216..."Did you notice the momentary break in ancestory?"

In the midst of the I Chronicles introduction of all genealogy is one narrative passage. Did you notice it? We find it in chapter 6:49 ..."But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense for all the work of the Most Holy Place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded." Interesting that the break was for atonement.

Day 215 Is there fruit in Israel's disobedience?

Is there fruit in Israel's disobedience described by Isaiah? Abolutely not! In chapter 17..."For you have forgotten the God of your salvationand have not remembered the Rock of your refuge;therefore, though you plant pleasant plantsand sow the vine-branch of a stranger, though you make them grow on the day that you plant them,and make them blossom in the morning that you sow,yet the harvest will flee away in a day of grief and incurable pain." This sounds like the opposite of John 15...The vine and branches...and discipleship. In following God...long-term fruit begins with obedience.